Lions for Lambs- Thought provoking, frustrating, overly simplistic in its analysis of the issues. But it made me think a little more about our approach to "the war on terror." I found myself thinking that this movie must have been a stage play that was not translating so well on to the big screen, but it wasn't--I checked the credits. I was picturing how powerful the staging could be transitioning from one scene to the next, each of three involving a different look at the modern world, all occuring simultaneously over a 90 minute period on opposite ends of the world: 1) A college professor and his star student debate the role of higher education in shaping the minds of our future leaders, and how youngsters seem to be becoming more and more apathetic and unengaged; 2) A powerful GOP polititian meets with a journalist who is frustrated with the advent of entertainment schlock as news to provide an exclusive on a "new initiative" in Afghanistan. The scene explores the relationship between the media and politics/politicians, and how journalism has become more of a codependant relationship with its subjects thereby creating a self-sustaining circle of propaganda at the expense of 'truth'; and 3) the military's attempts to carry out their orders without the best intelligence or technology to support the mission.
Into the Wild- (Title info from Netflix): Sean Penn directs this feature based on best-selling author Jon Krakauer's true story of a young man who gives up everything to lead a solitary life in the wild. Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch), a middle-class college graduate, abandons his safe existence to trek across the harsh yet beautiful terrain of Alaska. William Hurt and Marcia Gay Harden co-star, along with Catherine Keener, Vince Vaughn and Hal Holbrook (in an Oscar-nominated role).Loved it. Long and slow moving, but in a meaningful way, not boring. A strong statement about being disollusioned with the material excesses of the world, and literally giving it all up to follow your true bliss, and the wonderful characters you may meet along the journey.
MASH- I'm a huge fan of the TV show, and I'm a huge fan of Robert Altman (especially Short Cuts, and The Player), but I wasn't particulary fond of this movie.I can see where it was a "masterpiece of 70's cinema" and I respect its position on many "best ever" lists, but it's not for me.
(Note: Click on the titles to go to the Netflix page for each movie.)
1 comment:
just saw into the wild, well made indeed, it was tragic that McCandless died out there in the wilderness; but then again, so many people have benefited from his story...
Post a Comment